CD44 and beta3 integrin organize two functionally distinct actin-based domains in osteoclasts

Moesin activation controls bone resorption and tunneling nanotube-dependent osteoclast fusion

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells unique in their ability to resorb bone. Osteoclastogenesis involves several steps of actin-driven rearrangements that participate not only in the cell-cell fusion process, but also in the formation of the sealing zone, the adhesive structure determining the resorption area. Despite the importance of these actin cytoskeleton-based processes, their precise mechanisms of regulation are still poorly characterized. Here, we found that moesin, a member of the Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERM) protein family, is activated during osteoclast maturation and plays an instrumental role for both osteoclast fusion and function. In mouse and human osteoclast precursors, moesin is negatively regulated to potentiate their ability to fuse and degrade bone. Accordingly, we demonstrated that moesin depletion decreases membrane-to-cortex attachment and enhances formation of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), F-actin-containing intercellular bridges that we revealed to trigger osteoclast fusion. In addition, via a β3-integrin/RhoA/SLK pathway and independently of its role in fusion, moesin regulates the number and organization of sealing zones in mature osteoclast, and thus participates in the control of bone resorption. Supporting these findings, we found that moesin-deficient mice are osteopenic with a reduced density of trabecular bones and increased osteoclast abundance and activity. These findings provide a better understanding of the regulation of osteoclast biology, and open new opportunities to specifically target osteoclast activity in bone disease therapy.

Osteoclasts at Bone Remodeling: Order from Order

Osteoclasts are multinucleated bone-resorbing cells derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage. The macrophage colony-stimulating factor/receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (M-CSF/RANKL) signaling network governs the differentiation of precursor cells into fusion-competent mononucleated cells. Repetitive fusion of fusion-competent cells produces multinucleated osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are believed to die via apoptosis after bone resorption. However, recent studies have found that osteoclastogenesis in vivo proceeds by replacing the old nucleus of existing osteoclasts with a single newly differentiated mononucleated cell. Thus, the formation of new osteoclasts is minimal. Furthermore, the sizes of osteoclasts can change via cell fusion and fission in response to external conditions. On the other hand, osteoclastogenesis in vitro involves various levels of heterogeneity, including osteoclast precursors, mode of fusion, and properties of the differentiated osteoclasts. To better understand the origin of these heterogeneities and the plasticity of osteoclasts, we examine several processes of osteoclastogenesis in this review. Candidate mechanisms that create heterogeneity involve asymmetric cell division, osteoclast niche, self-organization, and mode of fusion and fission. Elucidation of the plasticity or fluctuation of the M-CSF/RANKL network should be an important topic for future researches.

Get a grip: Podosomes as potential players in phagocytosis

Podosomes have been known for several decades as micron-sized, F-actin-rich structures that play a pivotal role in cell migration and invasion, as they are able to mediate both cell-matrix attachment as well as extracellular matrix degradation. Particularly in monocytic cells, podosomes have been shown to fulfill a variety of additional functions such as sensing of substrate rigidity and topography, or cell-cell fusion. Increasing evidence now points to the involvement of podosome-like structures also during phagocytosis by immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. Here, we compare the different cell models and experimental set ups where "phagocytic podosomes" have been described. We also discuss the composition and architecture of these structures, their potential involvement in mechanosensing and particle disruption, as well as the pros and cons for addressing them as bona fide podosomes.

Genetics of osteonecrosis in children and adults with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES

Genetics plays an important role in SLE risk, as well as osteonecrosis (ON), a significant and often debilitating complication of SLE. We aimed to identify genetic risk loci for ON in people with childhood-onset (cSLE) and adult-onset (aSLE) SLE.

METHODS

We enrolled participants from two tertiary care centres who met classification criteria for SLE. Participants had prospectively collected clinical data and were genotyped on a multiethnic array. Un-genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were imputed, and ancestry was inferred using principal components (PCs). Our outcome was symptomatic ON confirmed by imaging. We completed time-to-ON and logistic regression of ON genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with covariates for sex, age of SLE diagnosis, five PCs for ancestry, corticosteroid use and selected SLE manifestations. We conducted separate analyses for cSLE and aSLE and meta-analysed results using inverse-variance weighting. Genome-wide significance was P < 5 × 10-8.

RESULTS

The study included 940 participants with SLE, 87% female and 56% with cSLE. ON was present in 7.6% (n = 71). Median age of SLE diagnosis was 16.9 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 13.5, 29.3), with median follow-up of 8.0 years (IQR: 4.2, 15.7). Meta-GWAS of cSLE and aSLE time-to-ON of 4 431 911 SNPs identified a significant Chr.2 SNP, rs34118383 (minor allele frequency = 0.18), intronic to WIPF1 (hazard ratio = 3.2 [95% CI: 2.2, 4.8]; P = 1.0 × 10-8).

CONCLUSION

We identified an intronic WIPF1 variant associated with a 3.2 times increased hazard for ON (95% CI: 2.2, 4.8; P = 1.0 × 10-8) during SLE follow-up, independent of corticosteroid exposure. The effect of the SNP on time-to-ON was similar in cSLE and aSLE. This novel discovery represents a potential ON risk locus. Our results warrant replication.

Glia maturation factor beta deficiency protects against diabetic osteoporosis by suppressing osteoclast hyperactivity

Excessive osteoclast activation, which depends on dramatic changes in actin dynamics, causes osteoporosis (OP). The molecular mechanism of osteoclast activation in OP related to type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains unclear. Glia maturation factor beta (GMFB) is considered a growth and differentiation factor for both glia and neurons. Here, we demonstrated that Gmfb deficiency effectively ameliorated the phenotype of T1D-OP in rats by inhibiting osteoclast hyperactivity. In vitro assays showed that GMFB participated in osteoclast activation rather than proliferation. Gmfb deficiency did not affect osteoclast sealing zone (SZ) formation but effectively decreased the SZ area by decreasing actin depolymerization. When GMFB was overexpressed in Gmfb-deficient osteoclasts, the size of the SZ area was enlarged in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, decreased actin depolymerization led to a decrease in nuclear G-actin, which activated MKL1/SRF-dependent gene transcription. We found that pro-osteoclastogenic factors (Mmp9 and Mmp14) were downregulated, while anti-osteoclastogenic factors (Cftr and Fhl2) were upregulated in Gmfb KO osteoclasts. A GMFB inhibitor, DS-30, targeting the binding site of GMFB and Arp2/3, was obtained. Biocore analysis revealed a high affinity between DS-30 and GMFB in a dose-dependent manner. As expected, DS-30 strongly suppressed osteoclast hyperactivity in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, our work identified a new therapeutic strategy for T1D-OP treatment. The discovery of GMFB inhibitors will contribute to translational research on T1D-OP.

Physiological functions of podosomes: From structure and function to therapy implications in osteoclast biology of bone resorption

With increasing age, bone tissue undergoes significant alterations in composition, architecture, and metabolic functions, probably causing senile osteoporosis. Osteoporosis possess the vast majority of bone disease and associates with a reduction in bone mass and increased fracture risk. Bone loss is on account of the disorder in osteoblast-induced bone formation and osteoclast-induced bone resorption. As a unique bone resorptive cell type, mature bone-resorbing osteoclasts exhibit dynamic actin-based cytoskeletal structures called podosomes that participate in cell-matrix adhesions specialized in the degradation of mineralized bone matrix. Podosomes share many of the same molecular constitutions as focal adhesions, but they have a unique structural organization, with a central core abundant in F-actin and encircled by scaffolding proteins, kinases and integrins. Here, we conclude recent advancements in our knowledge of the architecture and the functions of podosomes. We also discuss the regulatory pathways in osteoclast podosomes, providing a reference for future research on the podosomes of osteoclasts and considering podosomes as a therapeutic target for inhibiting bone resorption.

Mechanisms and roles of podosomes and invadopodia

Cell invasion into the surrounding extracellular matrix or across tissue boundaries and endothelial barriers occurs in both physiological and pathological scenarios such as immune surveillance or cancer metastasis. Podosomes and invadopodia, collectively called 'invadosomes', are actin-based structures that drive the proteolytic invasion of cells, by forming highly regulated platforms for the localized release of lytic enzymes that degrade the matrix. Recent advances in high-resolution microscopy techniques, in vivo imaging and high-throughput analyses have led to considerable progress in understanding mechanisms of invadosomes, revealing the intricate inner architecture of these structures, as well as their growing repertoire of functions that extends well beyond matrix degradation. In this Review, we discuss the known functions, architecture and regulatory mechanisms of podosomes and invadopodia. In particular, we describe the molecular mechanisms of localized actin turnover and microtubule-based cargo delivery, with a special focus on matrix-lytic enzymes that enable proteolytic invasion. Finally, we point out topics that should become important in the invadosome field in the future.

GSN synergies with actin-related transfer molecular chain to promote invasion and metastasis of HCC

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that the ability of tumor cells to move and migrate is related to the molecular chain pathway mediated by actin. This study focused on the molecular mechanism of gelsolin (GSN) as an important actin-binding protein in promoting HCC invasion and metastasis.

METHODS

The relationship between GSN expression and clinical characteristics was observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the role of GSN in HCC metastasis. Dual-immunoprecipitation (IP), immunofluorescence (IF), western blotting, and the gelatinase activity assay were used to investigate the mechanism of GSN-promoting metastasis. PEX fusion proteins were used to intervene in the transfer molecular chain.

RESULTS

Our study found that GSN promoted HCC invasion and metastasis through its synergistic effect with actin-related transfer molecular chain (actin-CD44-MMPs). Concretely, as an important binding molecule of actin, GSN activated MMP2 by interacting with MMP14. Furthermore, CD44 might be a key node in the above-mentioned mechanism. The use of MMP14 domain (PEX fusion protein) to competitively bind to CD44 helped to inhibit the activation of downstream MMP2.

CONCLUSIONS

GSN played crucial roles in HCC metastatic process. An improved understanding of the multiple effects of GSN in HCC might facilitate a deeper appreciation of GSN as an important HCC regulator. The study identified GSN and its regulated transfer molecular chain as potential therapeutic targets for HCC.

Nanoscale architecture and coordination of actin cores within the sealing zone of human osteoclasts

Osteoclasts are unique in their capacity to degrade bone tissue. To achieve this process, osteoclasts form a specific structure called the sealing zone, which creates a close contact with bone and confines the release of protons and hydrolases for bone degradation. The sealing zone is composed of actin structures called podosomes nested in a dense actin network. The organization of these actin structures inside the sealing zone at the nano scale is still unknown. Here, we combine cutting-edge microscopy methods to reveal the nanoscale architecture and dynamics of the sealing zone formed by human osteoclasts on bone surface. Random illumination microscopy allowed the identification and live imaging of densely packed actin cores within the sealing zone. A cross-correlation analysis of the fluctuations of actin content at these cores indicates that they are locally synchronized. Further examination shows that the sealing zone is composed of groups of synchronized cores linked by a-actinin1 positive filaments, and encircled by adhesion complexes. Thus, we propose that the confinement of bone degradation mediators is achieved through the coordination of islets of actin cores and not by the global coordination of all podosomal subunits forming the sealing zone.

Hyaluronidase 1 deficiency decreases bone mineral density in mice

Mucopolysaccharidosis IX is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in HYAL1, an enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid at acidic pH. This disease causes juvenile arthritis in humans and osteoarthritis in the Hyal1 knockout mouse model. Our past research revealed that HYAL1 is strikingly upregulated (~ 25x) upon differentiation of bone marrow monocytes into osteoclasts. To investigate whether HYAL1 is involved in the differentiation and/or resorption activity of osteoclasts, and in bone remodeling in general, we analyzed several bone parameters in Hyal1 -/- mice and studied the differentiation and activity of their osteoclasts and osteoblasts when differentiated in vitro. These experiments revealed that, upon aging, HYAL1 deficient mice exhibit reduced femur length and a ~ 15% decrease in bone mineral density compared to wild-type mice. We found elevated osteoclast numbers in the femurs of these mice as well as an increase of the bone resorbing activity of Hyal1 -/- osteoclasts. Moreover, we detected decreased mineralization by Hyal1 -/- osteoblasts. Taken together with the observed accumulation of hyaluronic acid in Hyal1 -/- bones, these results support the premise that the catabolism of hyaluronic acid by osteoclasts and osteoblasts is an intrinsic part of bone remodeling.

Fluid transport in the brain

The brain harbors a unique ability to, figuratively speaking, shift its gears. During wakefulness, the brain is geared fully toward processing information and behaving, while homeostatic functions predominate during sleep. The blood-brain barrier establishes a stable environment that is optimal for neuronal function, yet the barrier imposes a physiological problem; transcapillary filtration that forms extracellular fluid in other organs is reduced to a minimum in brain. Consequently, the brain depends on a special fluid [the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)] that is flushed into brain along the unique perivascular spaces created by astrocytic vascular endfeet. We describe this pathway, coined the term glymphatic system, based on its dependency on astrocytic vascular endfeet and their adluminal expression of aquaporin-4 water channels facing toward CSF-filled perivascular spaces. Glymphatic clearance of potentially harmful metabolic or protein waste products, such as amyloid-β, is primarily active during sleep, when its physiological drivers, the cardiac cycle, respiration, and slow vasomotion, together efficiently propel CSF inflow along periarterial spaces. The brain's extracellular space contains an abundance of proteoglycans and hyaluronan, which provide a low-resistance hydraulic conduit that rapidly can expand and shrink during the sleep-wake cycle. We describe this unique fluid system of the brain, which meets the brain's requisites to maintain homeostasis similar to peripheral organs, considering the blood-brain-barrier and the paths for formation and egress of the CSF.

The circle of life: Phases of podosome formation, turnover and reemergence

Podosomes are highly dynamic actin-rich structures in a variety of cell types, especially monocytic cells. They fulfill multiple functions such as adhesion, mechanosensing, or extracellular matrix degradation, thus allowing cells to detect and respond to a changing environment. These abilities are based on an intricate architecture that enables podosomes to sense mechanical properties of their substratum and to transduce them intracellularly in order to generate an appropriate cellular response. These processes are enabled through the tightly orchestrated interplay of more than 300 different components that are dynamically recruited during podosome formation and turnover. In this review, we discuss the different phases of the podosome life cycle and the current knowledge on regulatory factors that impact on the genesis, activity, dissolution and reemergence of podosomes. We also highlight mechanoregulatory processes that become important during these different stages, on the level of individual podosomes, and also at podosome sub- and superstructures.

Interplay between Inflammation and Pathological Bone Resorption: Insights into Recent Mechanisms and Pathways in Related Diseases for Future Perspectives

Bone is a mineralized and elastic connective tissue that provides fundamental functions in the human body, including mechanical support to the muscles and joints, protection of vital organs and storage of minerals. Bone is a metabolically active organ that undergoes continuous remodeling processes to maintain its architecture, shape, and function throughout life. One of the most important medical discoveries of recent decades has been that the immune system is involved in bone remodeling. Indeed, chronic inflammation has been recognized as the most significant factor influencing bone homeostasis, causing a shift in the bone remodeling process toward pathological bone resorption. Bone osteolytic diseases typified by excessive bone resorption account for one of the greatest causes of disability worldwide, with significant economic and public health burdens. From this perspective, we discuss the recent findings and discoveries highlighting the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate this process in the bone microenvironment, in addition to the current therapeutic strategies for the treatment of osteolytic bone diseases.

Matrix Metalloproteinases Shape the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression

Cancer progression with uncontrolled tumor growth, local invasion, and metastasis depends largely on the proteolytic activity of numerous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which affect tissue integrity, immune cell recruitment, and tissue turnover by degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) components and by releasing matrikines, cell surface-bound cytokines, growth factors, or their receptors. Among the MMPs, MMP-14 is the driving force behind extracellular matrix and tissue destruction during cancer invasion and metastasis. MMP-14 also influences both intercellular as well as cell-matrix communication by regulating the activity of many plasma membrane-anchored and extracellular proteins. Cancer cells and other cells of the tumor stroma, embedded in a common extracellular matrix, interact with their matrix by means of various adhesive structures, of which particularly invadopodia are capable to remodel the matrix through spatially and temporally finely tuned proteolysis. As a deeper understanding of the underlying functional mechanisms is beneficial for the development of new prognostic and predictive markers and for targeted therapies, this review examined the current knowledge of the interplay of the various MMPs in the cancer context on the protein, subcellular, and cellular level with a focus on MMP14.

The phytochemical plumbagin reciprocally modulates osteoblasts and osteoclasts

Bone metabolism is essential for maintaining bone mineral density and bone strength through a balance between bone formation and bone resorption. Bone formation is associated with osteoblast activity whereas bone resorption is linked to osteoclast differentiation. Osteoblast progenitors give rise to the formation of mature osteoblasts whereas monocytes are the precursors for multi-nucleated osteoclasts. Chronic inflammation, auto-inflammation, hormonal changes or adiposity have the potential to disturb the balance between bone formation and bone loss. Several plant-derived components are described to modulate bone metabolism and alleviate osteoporosis by enhancing bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption. The plant-derived naphthoquinone plumbagin is a bioactive compound that can be isolated from the roots of the Plumbago genus. It has been used as traditional medicine for treating infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and dermatological diseases. Reportedly, plumbagin exerts its biological activities primarily through induction of reactive oxygen species and triggers osteoblast-mediated bone formation. It is plausible that plumbagin's reciprocal actions - inhibiting or inducing death in osteoclasts but promoting survival or growth of osteoblasts - are a function of the synergy with bone-metabolizing hormones calcitonin, Parathormone and vitamin D. Herein, we develop a framework for plausible molecular modus operandi of plumbagin in bone metabolism.

The regulatory effect of hyaluronan on human mesenchymal stem cells' fate modulates their interaction with cancer cells in vitro

Metastatic spread of cancer cells into a pre-metastatic niche is highly dependent on a supporting microenvironment. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) contribute to the tumor microenvironment and promote cancer metastasis by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and immune evasion. The underlying mechanisms, however, are incompletely understood. The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) is a central component of the extracellular matrix and has been shown to harbor pro-metastatic properties. In this study we investigated the highly disseminating breast cancer and glioblastoma multiforme cell lines MDA-MB-321 and U87-MG which strongly differ in their metastatic potential to evaluate the impact of HA on tumor promoting features of bmMSC and their interaction with tumor cells. We show that adipogenic differentiation of bmMSC is regulated by the HA-matrix. This study reveals that MDA-MB-231 cells inhibit this process by the induction of HA-synthesis in bmMSCs and thus preserve the pro-tumorigenic properties of bmMSC. Furthermore, we show that adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells to bmMSC is facilitated by the tumor cell-induced HA-rich matrix and is mediated by the HA-receptor LAYN. We postulate that invasive breast cancer cells modulate the HA-matrix of bmMSC to adapt the pre-metastatic niche. Thus, the HA-matrix provides a potential novel therapeutic target to prevent cancer metastasis.

Are Osteoclasts Mechanosensitive Cells?

Skeleton metabolism is a process in which osteoclasts constantly remove old bone and osteoblasts form new osteoid and induce mineralization; disruption of this balance may cause diseases. Osteoclasts play a key role in bone metabolism, as osteoclastogenesis marks the beginning of each bone remodeling cycle. As the only cell capable of bone resorption, osteoclasts are derived from the monocyte/macrophage hematopoietic precursors that terminally adhere to mineralized extracellular matrix, and they subsequently break down the extracellular compartment. Bone is generally considered the load-burdening tissue, bone homeostasis is critically affected by mechanical conductions, and the bone cells are mechanosensitive. The functions of various bone cells under mechanical forces such as chondrocytes and osteoblasts have been reported; however, the unique bone-resorbing osteoclasts are less studied. The oversuppression of osteoclasts in mechanical studies may be because of its complicated differentiation progress and flexible structure, which increases difficulty in targeting mechanical structures. This paper will focus on recent findings regarding osteoclasts and attempt to uncover proposed candidate mechanosensing structures in osteoclasts including podosome-associated complexes, gap junctions and transient receptor potential family (ion channels). We will additionally describe possible mechanotransduction signaling pathways including GTPase ras homologue family member A (RhoA), Yes-associated protein/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), Ca²⁺ signaling and non-canonical Wnt signaling. According to numerous studies, evaluating the possible influence of various physical environments on osteoclastogenesis is conducive to the study of bone homeostasis.

Cellular and molecular actors of myeloid cell fusion: podosomes and tunneling nanotubes call the tune

Different types of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) of myeloid origin have been described; osteoclasts are the most extensively studied because of their importance in bone homeostasis. MGCs are formed by cell-to-cell fusion, and most types have been observed in pathological conditions, especially in infectious and non-infectious chronic inflammatory contexts. The precise role of the different MGCs and the mechanisms that govern their formation remain poorly understood, likely due to their heterogeneity. First, we will introduce the main populations of MGCs derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage. We will then discuss the known molecular actors mediating the early stages of fusion, focusing on cell-surface receptors involved in the cell-to-cell adhesion steps that ultimately lead to multinucleation. Given that cell-to-cell fusion is a complex and well-coordinated process, we will also describe what is currently known about the evolution of F-actin-based structures involved in macrophage fusion, i.e., podosomes, zipper-like structures, and tunneling nanotubes (TNT). Finally, the localization and potential role of the key fusion mediators related to the formation of these F-actin structures will be discussed. This review intends to present the current status of knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms supporting multinucleation of myeloid cells, highlighting the gaps still existing, and contributing to the proposition of potential disease-specific MGC markers and/or therapeutic targets.

Molecular Signaling Pathways and Essential Metabolic Elements in Bone Remodeling: An Implication of Therapeutic Targets for Bone Diseases

Bone is one of the dynamic tissues in the human body that undergoes continuous remodelling through subsequent actions of bone cells, osteoclasts, and osteoblasts. Several signal transduction pathways are involved in the transition of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. These primarily include Runx2, ATF4, Wnt signaling and sympathetic signalling. The differentiation of osteoclasts is controlled by M-CSF, RANKL, and costimulatory signalling. It is well known that bone remodelling is regulated through receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand followed by binding to RANK, which eventually induces the differentiation of osteoclasts. The resorbing osteoclasts secrete TRAP, cathepsin K, MMP-9 and gelatinase to digest the proteinaceous matrix of type I collagen and form a saucer-shaped lacuna along with resorption tunnels in the trabecular bone. Osteoblasts secrete a soluble decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin that prevents the binding of RANK/RANKL and thus moderating osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, bone homeostasis is also regulated by several growth factors like, cytokines, calciotropic hormones, parathyroid hormone and sex steroids. The current review presents a correlation of the probable molecular targets underlying the regulation of bone mass and the role of essential metabolic elements in bone remodelling. Targeting these signaling pathways may help to design newer therapies for treating bone diseases.

Surface distribution of heterogenous clathrin assemblies in resorbing osteoclasts

Osteoclasts seeded on either glass coverslips or apatite pellets have at least two morphologically distinct substrate adhesion sites: actin-based adhesion structures including podosome belts and sealing zones, and adjacent clathrin sheets. Clathrin-coated structures are exclusively localized at the podosome belts and sealing zone, in both of which the plasma membrane forms a tight attachment to the substrate surface. When cultured on apatite osteoclasts can degrade the apatite leading to the formation of resorption lacunae. The sealing zone divides the ventral membrane into different domains, outside and inside of the sealing zones. The former facing the smooth-surfaced intact apatite contains relatively solitary or networks of larger flat clathrin structures; and the latter, facing the rough-surfaced degraded apatite in the resorption lacunae contain clathrin in various shapes and sizes. Clathrin assemblies on the membrane domain facing not only a resorption lacuna, or trails but also intact apatite indeed were observed to be heterogeneous in size and intensity, suggesting that they appeared to follow variations in the surface topography of the apatite surface. These results provide a detailed insight into the flat clathrin sheets that have been suggested to be the sites of adhesion and mechanosensing in co-operation with podosomes.

A novel mechanism in wound healing: Laminin 332 drives MMP9/14 activity by recruiting syndecan-1 and CD44

Re-epithelialization describes the resurfacing of a skin wound with new epithelium. In response to various stimuli including that of growth factors, cytokines and extracellular matrix (ECM), wound edge epidermal keratinocytes undergo cytoskeleton rearrangements compatible with their motile behavior and develop protrusive adhesion contacts. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) expression is crucial for proper cell movement and ECM remodeling; however, their deposition mechanism is unknown in keratinocytes. Here, we show that similar to cytokine IL-1ß, the precursor laminin 332 pro-migratory fragment G45 induces expression of the MMP-9 pro-enzyme, which together with MMP-14, further exerts its proteolytic activity within epithelial podosomes. This event strictly depends on the expression of the proteoglycan receptor syndecan-1 that was found in a ring surrounding the podosome core, co-localised with CD44. Our findings uncover that by directly recruiting both syndecan-1 and CD44, the laminin-332 G45 domain plays a major role in regulating mechanisms underlying keratinocyte / ECM remodeling during wound repair.

Aesculetin Inhibits Osteoclastic Bone Resorption through Blocking Ruffled Border Formation and Lysosomal Trafficking

For the optimal resorption of mineralized bone matrix, osteoclasts require the generation of the ruffled border and acidic resorption lacuna through lysosomal trafficking and exocytosis. Coumarin-type aesculetin is a naturally occurring compound with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. However, the direct effects of aesculetin on osteoclastogenesis remain to be elucidated. This study found that aesculetin inhibited osteoclast activation and bone resorption through blocking formation and exocytosis of lysosomes. Raw 264.7 cells were differentiated in the presence of 50 ng/mL receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and treated with 1–10 μM aesculetin. Differentiation, bone resorption, and lysosome biogenesis of osteoclasts were determined by tartrate-resistance acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, bone resorption assay, Western blotting, immunocytochemical analysis, and LysoTracker staining. Aesculetin inhibited RANKL-induced formation of multinucleated osteoclasts with a reduction of TRAP activity. Micromolar aesculetin deterred the actin ring formation through inhibition of induction of αvβ3 integrin and Cdc42 but not cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) in RANKL-exposed osteoclasts. Administering aesculetin to RANKL-exposed osteoclasts attenuated the induction of autophagy-related proteins, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3, and small GTPase Rab7, hampering the lysosomal trafficking onto ruffled border crucial for bone resorption. In addition, aesculetin curtailed cellular induction of Pleckstrin homology domain-containing protein family member 1 and lissencephaly-1 involved in lysosome positioning to microtubules involved in the lysosomal transport within mature osteoclasts. These results demonstrate that aesculetin retarded osteoclast differentiation and impaired lysosomal trafficking and exocytosis for the formation of the putative ruffled border. Therefore, aesculetin may be a potential osteoprotective agent targeting RANKL-induced osteoclastic born resorption for medicinal use.

A Complex and Evolutive Character: Two Face Aspects of ECM in Tumor Progression

Tumor microenvironment, including extracellular matrix (ECM) and stromal cells, is a key player during tumor development, from initiation, growth and progression to metastasis. During all of these steps, remodeling of matrix components occurs, changing its biochemical and physical properties. The global and basic cancer ECM model is that tumors are surrounded by activated stromal cells, that remodel physiological ECM to evolve into a stiffer and more crosslinked ECM than in normal conditions, thereby increasing invasive capacities of cancer cells. In this review, we show that this too simple model does not consider the complexity, specificity and heterogeneity of each organ and tumor. First, we describe the general ECM in context of cancer. Then, we go through five invasive and most frequent cancers from different origins (breast, liver, pancreas, colon, and skin), and show that each cancer has its own specific matrix, with different stromal cells, ECM components, biochemical properties and activated signaling pathways. Furthermore, in these five cancers, we describe the dual role of tumor ECM: as a protective barrier against tumor cell proliferation and invasion, and as a major player in tumor progression. Indeed, crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells induce changes in matrix organization by remodeling ECM through invadosome formation in order to degrade it, promoting tumor progression and cell invasion. To sum up, in this review, we highlight the specificities of matrix composition in five cancers and the necessity not to consider the ECM as one general and simple entity, but one complex, dynamic and specific entity for each cancer type and subtype.

Abl-mediated PI3K activation regulates macrophage podosome formation

Podosomes play crucial roles in macrophage adhesion and migration. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP; also known as WAS)-mediated actin polymerization is one of the key events initiating podosome formation. Nevertheless, membrane signals to trigger WASP activation at macrophage podosomes remain unclear. Here, we show that phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3] lipids are enriched at the podosome and stably recruit WASP rather than the WASP-5KE mutant. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit β (PIK3CB) is spatially located at the podosome core. Inhibition of PIK3CB and overexpression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) impede F-actin polymerization of the podosome. PIK3CB activation is regulated by Abl1 and Src family kinases. At the podosome core, Src and Hck promote the phosphorylation of Tyr488 in the consensus Y-x-x-M motif of Abl1, which enables the association of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) regulatory subunits. Knockdown of Abl1 rather than Abl2 suppresses the PI3K/Akt pathway, regardless of Src and Hck activities. Reintroduction of wild-type Abl1 rather than the Abl1-Y488F mutant rescues PI3KR1 recruitment and PI3K activation. When PIK3CB, Abl1 or Src/Hck is suppressed, macrophage podosome formation, matrix degradation and chemotactic migration are inhibited. Thus, Src/Hck-mediated phosphorylation of Abl1 Tyr488 triggers PIK3CB-dependent PI(3,4,5)P3 production and orchestrates the assembly and function of macrophage podosomes.

Opposing roles of hematopoietic-specific small GTPase Rac2 and the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 in osteoclast differentiation

Vav1 regulates Rac activation as a hematopoietic-specific Rho/Rac-family guanine nucleotide exchange factor. Rac is a subfamily of Rho GTPases that regulates the bone-resorbing capacity of osteoclasts (OCs). In this study, we show that hematopoietic-specific Rac2 and Vav1 play opposing roles by enhancing or attenuating OC differentiation, respectively. This was demonstrated by higher and lower bone density in the femurs from Rac2-deficient (Rac2-/-) and Vav1-deficient (Vav1-/-) mice, respectively, compared to the wild-type (WT) mice. Accordingly, Rac2-/- cells displayed low numbers of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells (41%) compared to WT cells, whereas, Vav1-/- cells showed high TRAP-positive cell numbers (150%), and the double-knockout Rac2-/-Vav1-/- mice nullified the effects on OC numbers achieved by the individual knockouts. These reciprocal roles of Rac2 and Vav1 in OC differentiation were confirmed by reduced and increased levels of OC-specific markers, such as TRAP, calcitonin receptor, cathepsin K, and DC-STAMP in the Rac2-/- and Vav1-/- OCs, respectively. Our findings of decrease and increase in actin ring formation and αvβ3 integrin-mediated adhesion in Rac2-/- and Vav1-/- mice, respectively, suggest that Vav1 and its downstream GTPase, Rac2, may counteract to fine-tune OC differentiation and bone resorption.

A Sub-Clone of RAW264.7-Cells Form Osteoclast-Like Cells Capable of Bone Resorption Faster than Parental RAW264.7 through Increased De Novo Expression and Nuclear Translocation of NFATc1

The murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 is extensively used as a progenitor to study osteoclast (OC) differentiation. RAW264.7 is a heterogeneous cell line, containing sub-clones with different abilities to form OCs. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics within the heterogeneous RAW264.7 cells that define sub-clones with an augmented ability to form bone-resorbing OCs (H9), as well as sub-clones representing non-OCs (J8). RAW264.7 sub-clones were isolated by single cell cloning. Selection was based on TRAP/cathepsin K expression in sub-clone cultures without added RANKL. Sub-clones before and after differentiation with RANKL were assayed for multiple OC-characteristics. Sub-clone H9 cells presented a higher expression of OC-markers in cultures without added RANKL compared to the parental RAW264.7. After 6 days of RANKL stimulation, sub-clone H9 cells had equal expression levels of OC-markers with RAW264.7 and formed OCs able to demineralize hydroxyapatite. However, sub-clone H9 cells displayed rapid differentiation of OC already at Day 2 compared to Day 4 from parental RAW264.7, and when cultured on plastic and on bone they were more efficient in resorption. This rapid differentiation was likely due to high initial expression/nuclear translocation of OC master transcription factor, NFATc1. In contrast to H9, J8 cells expressed initially very low levels of OC-markers, and they did not respond to RANKL-stimulation by developing OC-characteristics/OC-marker expression. Hence, H9 is an additional clone suitable for experimental setup requiring rapid differentiation of large numbers of OCs.

Probing the mechanical landscape – new insights into podosome architecture and mechanics

Podosomes are dynamic adhesion structures formed constitutively by macrophages, dendritic cells and osteoclasts and transiently in a wide variety of cells, such as endothelial cells and megakaryocytes. They mediate numerous functions, including cell–matrix adhesion, extracellular matrix degradation, mechanosensing and cell migration. Podosomes present as micron-sized F-actin cores surrounded by an adhesive ring of integrins and integrin–actin linkers, such as talin and vinculin. In this Review, we highlight recent research that has considerably advanced our understanding of the complex architecture–function relationship of podosomes by demonstrating that the podosome ring actually consists of discontinuous nano-clusters and that the actin network in between podosomes comprises two subsets of unbranched actin filaments, lateral and dorsal podosome-connecting filaments. These lateral and dorsal podosome-connecting filaments connect the core and ring of individual podosomes and adjacent podosomes, respectively. We also highlight recent insights into the podosome cap as a novel regulatory module of actomyosin-based contractility. We propose that these newly identified features are instrumental for the ability of podosomes to generate protrusion forces and to mechanically probe their environment. Furthermore, these new results point to an increasing complexity of podosome architecture and have led to our current view of podosomes as autonomous force generators that drive cell migration.

The osteoclast, a target cell for microorganisms

Bone is a highly adaptive tissue with regenerative properties that is subject to numerous diseases. Infection is one of the causes of altered bone homeostasis. Bone infection happens subsequently to bone surgery or to systemic spreading of microorganisms. In addition to osteoblasts, osteoclasts (OCs) also constitute cell targets for pathogens. OCs are multinucleated cells that have the exclusive ability to resorb bone mineral tissue. However, the OC is much more than a bone eater. Beyond its role in the control of bone turnover, the OC is an immune cell that produces and senses inflammatory cytokines, ingests microorganisms and presents antigens. Today, increasing evidence shows that several pathogens use OC as a host cell to grow, generating debilitating bone defects. In this review, we exhaustively inventory the bacteria and viruses that infect OC and report the present knowledge in this topic. We point out that most of the microorganisms enhance the bone resorption activity of OC. We notice that pathogen interactions with the OC require further investigation, in particular to validate the OC as a host cell in vivo and to identify the cellular mechanisms involved in altered bone resorption. Thus, we conclude that the OC is a new cell target for pathogens; this new research area paves the way for new therapeutic strategies in the infections causing bone defects.

Extracellular calcium regulates the adhesion and migration of osteoclasts via integrin αv β 3 /Rho A/Cytoskeleton signaling

Integrin α_v β₃ is a transmembrane integrin, which can initiate osteoclasts' attachment on bones, leading to downward signaling pathways and subsequent bone resorption. Different calcium concentrations have been reported to have an influence on the activation of integrin α_v β₃ . To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of extracellular calcium concentrations on osteoclasts, a controlled micro flow plate (M04S) was utilized in the ONIX flow control system to observe the osteoclasts' adhesion and migration in different calcium concentration media. Fluorescent staining is conducted to show the distribution of integrin α_v β₃ and cytoskeleton reorganization. In addition, western blots were performed to detect the expression of integrin α_v β₃ and its downstream signaling pathways related to bone resorption. Also, real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction data of transcription co-activator (YAP/TAZ) and hydrolytic enzymes (the matrix metalloproteinase 9 and cathepsin K) are evaluated. Our findings suggest that osteoclasts' migration and adhesion is better promoted at 0.5 mM than 1.2 mM, which can be partly explained by the induced cytoskeleton organization via integrin α_v β₃ /Rho GTPase. But the activation and nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ, and the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes were upregulated when the calcium concentration is at a higher level (1.2 mM). According to our study, there is a high possibility that the migration and attachment of osteoclasts and subsequent osteoclastic bone resorption are regulated over a specific range of extracellular calcium concentration.

CD44 Regulates Formation of Spheroids and Controls Organ-Specific Metastatic Colonization in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

Disseminating epithelial ovarian cancer cells often become assembled into spheroids prior to their arrival at metastatic sites within the peritoneal cavity. Although epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy, the mechanisms regulating formation and metastatic potential of spheroids are poorly understood. We show that expression of a cell surface glycoprotein CD44 is an important contributing factor for spheroid formation and spheroid adhesion to mesothelial cells, and its loss impairs mesenteric metastasis. In contrast, loss of CD44 resulted in significant increase of tumor burden at several locoregional sites, including liver, and unleashed distant metastases to the thoracic cavity. Altogether our studies suggest that CD44 regulates metastatic progression of EOC in an organ-specific manner. IMPLICATIONS: Expression of CD44 promotes spheroid formation, mesothelial adhesion, and formation of mesenteric metastasis, but it suppresses development of metastasis to several peritoneal sites, including liver, and the thoracic cavity.

Integrins: Moonlighting Proteins in Invadosome Formation

Invadopodia are actin-rich protrusions developed by transformed cells in 2D/3D environments that are implicated in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and degradation. These structures have an undoubted association with cancer invasion and metastasis because invadopodium formation in vivo is a key step for intra/extravasation of tumor cells. Invadopodia are closely related to other actin-rich structures known as podosomes, which are typical structures of normal cells necessary for different physiological processes during development and organogenesis. Invadopodia and podosomes are included in the general term 'invadosomes,' as they both appear as actin puncta on plasma membranes next to extracellular matrix metalloproteinases, although organization, regulation, and function are slightly different. Integrins are transmembrane proteins implicated in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and other important processes such as molecular signaling, mechano-transduction, and cell functions, e.g., adhesion, migration, or invasion. It is noteworthy that integrin expression is altered in many tumors, and other pathologies such as cardiovascular or immune dysfunctions. Over the last few years, growing evidence has suggested a role of integrins in the formation of invadopodia. However, their implication in invadopodia formation and adhesion to the ECM is still not well known. This review focuses on the role of integrins in invadopodium formation and provides a general overview of the involvement of these proteins in the mechanisms of metastasis, taking into account classic research through to the latest and most advanced work in the field.

Myosins in Osteoclast Formation and Function

Skeletal quantity and quality are determined by processes of bone modeling and remodeling, which are undertaken by cells that build and resorb bone as they respond to mechanical, hormonal, and other external and internal signals. As the sole bone resorptive cell type, osteoclasts possess a remarkably dynamic actin cytoskeleton that drives their function in this enterprise. Actin rearrangements guide osteoclasts’ capacity for precursor fusion during differentiation, for migration across bone surfaces and sensing of their composition, and for generation of unique actin superstructures required for the resorptive process. In this regard, it is not surprising that myosins, the superfamily of actin-based motor proteins, play key roles in osteoclast physiology. This review briefly summarizes current knowledge of the osteoclast actin cytoskeleton and describes myosins’ roles in osteoclast differentiation, migration, and actin superstructure patterning.

A Novel Reliable and Efficient Procedure for Purification of Mature Osteoclasts Allowing Functional Assays in Mouse Cells

Osteoclasts (OCLs) are multinucleated phagocytes of monocytic origin responsible for physiological and pathological bone resorption including aging processes, chronic inflammation and cancer. Besides bone resorption, they are also involved in the modulation of immune responses and the regulation of hematopoietic niches. Accordingly, OCLs are the subject of an increasing number of studies. Due to their rarity and the difficulty to isolate them directly ex vivo, analyses on OCLs are usually performed on in vitro differentiated cells. In this state, however, OCLs represent a minority of differentiated cells. Since up to date a reliable purification procedure is still lacking for mature OCLs, all cells present in the culture are analyzed collectively to answer OCL-specific questions. With the development of in-depth transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, such global analyses on unsorted cells can induce severe bias effects in further results. In addition, for instance, analysis on OCL immune function requires working on purified OCLs to avoid contamination effects of monocytic precursors that may persist during the culture. This clearly highlights the need for a reliable OCL purification procedure. Here, we describe a novel and reliable method to sort OCLs based on cell multinucleation while preserving cell viability. Using this method, we successfully purified multinucleated murine cells. We showed that they expressed high levels of OCL markers and retained a high capacity of bone resorption, demonstrating that these are mature OCLs. The same approach was equally applied for the purification of human mature OCLs. Comparison of purified OCLs with mononucleated cells or unsorted cells revealed significant differences in the expression of OCL-specific markers at RNA and/or protein level. This exemplifies that substantially better outcomes for OCLs are achieved after the exclusion of mononucleated cells. Our results clearly demonstrate that the in here presented procedure for the analysis and sorting of pure OCLs represents a novel, robust and reliable method for the detailed examination of bona fide mature OCLs in a range that was previously impossible. Noteworthy, this procedure will open new perspectives into the biology of osteoclasts and osteoclast-related diseases.

A dual-specific macrophage colony-stimulating factor antagonist of c-FMS and αvβ3 integrin for osteoporosis therapy

There is currently a demand for new highly efficient and specific drugs to treat osteoporosis, a chronic bone disease affecting millions of people worldwide. We have developed a combinatorial strategy for engineering bispecific inhibitors that simultaneously target the unique combination of c-FMS and α_vβ₃ integrin, which act in concert to facilitate bone resorption by osteoclasts. Using functional fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based screening assays of random mutagenesis macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) libraries against c-FMS and α_vβ₃ integrin, we engineered dual-specific M-CSF mutants with high affinity to both receptors. These bispecific mutants act as functional antagonists of c-FMS and α_vβ₃ integrin activation and hence of osteoclast differentiation in vitro and osteoclast activity in vivo. This study thus introduces a versatile platform for the creation of new-generation therapeutics with high efficacy and specificity for osteoporosis and other bone diseases. It also provides new tools for studying molecular mechanisms and the cell signaling pathways that mediate osteoclast differentiation and function.

Many bone diseases—including osteoporosis, in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue—are characterized by excessive and uncontrolled bone resorption by bone-destroying cells known as osteoclasts. Therefore, controlled and specific inhibition of osteoclast activity is a desired outcome in treatments for bone diseases. Osteoclast differentiation and function are coordinated by cell surface receptors, including c-FMS and α_vβ₃ integrin, which cooperate with one another to drive signals that are essential for osteoclast functions. Here, we describe the engineering, characterization, and testing of novel proteins that can target and inhibit both c-FMS and α_vβ₃ integrin at the same time, thereby providing a way of controlling osteoclast function. The study represents the first example of engineering a natural ligand, which acts as a signaling molecule, as a scaffold for binding not only its target protein but also a second target. We show that these engineered proteins inhibit osteoclast activity in a mouse model of osteoporosis. Our study describes potential inhibitors that target all the known functions resulting from c-FMS/integrin α_vβ₃ crosstalk and paves the way to create novel targeting proteins that could be used to treat osteoporosis. It also expands our understanding of the role of the c-FMS/α_vβ₃ integrin pathway in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation and function.

Actin assembly mechanisms at a glance

The actin cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins provide the driving forces for establishing the astonishing morphological diversity and dynamics of mammalian cells. Aside from functions in protruding and contracting cell membranes for motility, differentiation or cell division, the actin cytoskeleton provides forces to shape and move intracellular membranes of organelles and vesicles. To establish the many different actin assembly functions required in time and space, actin nucleators are targeted to specific subcellular compartments, thereby restricting the generation of specific actin filament structures to those sites. Recent research has revealed that targeting and activation of actin filament nucleators, elongators and myosin motors are tightly coordinated by conserved protein complexes to orchestrate force generation. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge on the corresponding protein complexes and their modes of action in actin nucleation, elongation and force generation.

PGC1β Organizes the Osteoclast Cytoskeleton by Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Activation

Osteoclasts are mitochondria-rich cells, but the role of these energy-producing organelles in bone resorption is poorly defined. To this end, we conditionally deleted the mitochondria-inducing co-activator, PGC1β, in myeloid lineage cells to generate PGC1β^LysM mice. In contrast to previous reports, PGC1β-deficient macrophages differentiate normally into osteoclasts albeit with impaired resorptive function due to cytoskeletal disorganization. Consequently, bone mass of PGC1β^LysM mice is double that of wild type. Mitochondrial biogenesis and function are diminished in PGC1β^LysM osteoclasts. All abnormalities are normalized by PGC1β transduction. Furthermore, OXPHOS inhibitors reproduce the phenotype of PGC1β deletion. PGC1β's organization of the osteoclast cytoskeleton is mediated by expression of GIT1, which also promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, osteoclast mitochondria regulate the cell's resorptive activity by promoting cytoskeletal organization. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Functional invadopodia formed in glioblastoma stem cells are important regulators of tumor angiogenesis

Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most common and lethal brain tumor. High vascularization, necrosis and invasiveness are hallmarks of GBM aggressiveness with recent data suggesting the important role of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in these processes. It is now well established that cancer cells employ specialized structures termed invadosomes to potentiate invasion. However, the role of these structures in GBM dissemination remains poorly investigated. In this study, we showed that GBM-isolated GSCs form invadopodia-like protrusions endowed with degradative action. Interestingly, their formation depends on extracellular matrix (ECM) sensing via the CD44 receptor. We also found that GSCs invasive migration occurring during tubes assembly is promoted through invadopodia-mediated-ECM remodeling and LIM kinases signaling. Moreover, our study demonstrates that GSCs are highly adaptable cells that are able not only to restore damaged endothelial-derived tubes but also to generate in cooperation with normal endothelial cells (ECs) intact vascular channels. Taken together, our data provide new insights in GBM microvasculature and suggest that GSCs targeting in combination with anti-VEGF therapy may block tumor progression.

The Sealing Zone in Osteoclasts: A Self-Organized Structure on the Bone

Osteoclasts form a specialized cell-matrix adhesion structure, known as the "sealing zone", during bone resorption. The sealing zone is a dynamic actin-rich structure that defines the resorption area of the bone. The detailed dynamics and fine structure of the sealing zone have been elusive. Osteoclasts plated on glass do not form a sealing zone, but generate a separate supra-molecular structure called the "podosome belt". Podosomes are integrin-based adhesion complexes involved in matrix adhesion, cell migration, matrix degradation, and mechanosensing. Invadopodia, podosome-like protrusions in cancer cells, are involved in cell invasion into other tissues by promoting matrix degradation. Both podosomes and invadopodia exhibit actin pattern transitions during maturation. We previously found that Arp2/3-dependent actin flow occurs in all observed assembly patterns of podosomes in osteoclasts on glass. It is known that the actin wave in Dictyostelium cells exhibits a similar pattern transition in its evolution. Because of significant advances in our understanding regarding the mechanism of podosomes/invadopodia formation over the last decade, we revisited the structure and function of the sealing zone in this review, highlighting the possible involvement of self-organized actin waves in the organogenesis of the sealing zone.

Lymphocyte-specific protein 1 regulates mechanosensory oscillation of podosomes and actin isoform-based actomyosin symmetry breaking

Subcellular fine-tuning of the actomyosin cytoskeleton is a prerequisite for polarized cell migration. We identify LSP (lymphocyte-specific protein) 1 as a critical regulator of actomyosin contractility in primary macrophages. LSP1 regulates adhesion and migration, including the parameters cell area and speed, and also podosome turnover, oscillation and protrusive force. LSP1 recruits myosin IIA and its regulators, including myosin light chain kinase and calmodulin, and competes with supervillin, a myosin hyperactivator, for myosin regulators, and for actin isoforms, notably β-actin. Actin isoforms are anisotropically distributed in myosin IIA-expressing macrophages, and contribute to the differential recruitment of LSP1 and supervillin, thus enabling an actomyosin symmetry break, analogous to the situation in cells expressing two myosin II isoforms. Collectively, these results show that the cellular pattern of actin isoforms builds the basis for the differential distribution of two actomyosin machineries with distinct properties, leading to the establishment of discrete zones of actomyosin contractility.

The actomyosin cytoskeleton plays an important role in polarised cell migration. Here the authors identify lymphocyte-specific protein (LSP)-1 as a regulator of actomyosin contractility in macrophages, by competing with supervillin for myosin IIA activators acting specifically on the β-actin isoform.

Histochemical evidence of IGF2 mRNA-binding protein 2-mediated regulation of osteoclast function and adhesive ability

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) messenger RNA-binding proteins (IMPs) are a family of oncofetal RNA-binding proteins that play important roles in cell migration, renewal, and metabolism. IMP2 gene expression may be important in determining IGF2 levels and might, thereby, be central to bone metabolism. In our present study, IMP2-deficient mice exhibited more immature bone structures, characterized by abundant residual cartilage cores; growth plates containing more rich cartilage matrix, which was arranged irregularly; and a significantly thicker hypertrophic chondrocyte layer in the femoral metaphysis, compared with wild-type mice. These abnormalities were associated with profound effects on the size and morphology of osteoclasts. Specifically, the osteoclasts exhibited various polymorphisms, failed to form resorption lacunae, and were detached from the bone surface. Consistent with these findings, IMP2 deficiency reduced the expression of two important proteases (cathepsin K and matrix metallopeptidase 9) as well as that of C-SRC, a critical regulator of ruffled border formation in osteoclasts, indicating impaired osteoclastic activity. IMP2-deficient mice also displayed inhibited osteoclast adhesion owing to defects in the CD44-osteopontin signaling pathway. In summary, we used IMP2-deficient mice as a model to determine whether IMP2 plays a role during bone metabolism. Our results indicate that IMP2 deficiency delayed bone remodeling by significantly inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts and impairing their adhesion.

Adipocytes enhance expression of osteoclast adhesion-related molecules through the CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling pathway

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of adipocytes on osteoclast adhesion-related molecules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ST2 cells, a cloned stromal cell line from mouse bone marrow, able to differentiate into adipocytes, were cultured in serum-free α-MEM which was then collected to be used as adipocyte-conditioned medium (ADIPO CM). RAW264.7 cells were cultured in ADIPO CM in the presence of RANKL, and bone marrow-derived macrophages were cultured in ADIPO CM in the presence of RANKL and macrophage-colony stimulating factor to induce osteoclast differentiation. TRAP staining, resorption pit assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting assays were performed.

RESULTS

ELISAs revealed that CXCL12 was abundant in ADIPO CM and CCK-8 assay revealed no proliferation of RAW264.7 cells after exogenous CXCL12 treatment. ADIPO CM enhanced osteoclast formation and resorption, both by RAW264.7 cells and BMMs. In addition, exogenous CXCL12 efficiently potentiated formation of TRAP-positive osteoclast and resorption by RAW264.7 cells. Western blotting and qRT-PCR suggested that ADIPO CM or combined treatment with exogenous CXCL12 caused significant increase in expression of NFAT2, src and osteoclast adhesion-related molecules, including β3 integrin, CD44 and osteopontin. However, these promotional effects were largely abrogated on treatment of AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist.

CONCLUSIONS

Adipocytes promoted osteoclast differentiation, function and expression of adhesion-related molecules through the CXCL12/CXCR4 signalling pathway.

Osteoactivin inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is mediated through CD44-ERK signaling

Osteoactivin is a heavily glycosylated protein shown to have a role in bone remodeling. Previous studies from our lab have shown that mutation in Osteoactivin enhances osteoclast differentiation but inhibits their function. To date, a classical receptor and a signaling pathway for Osteoactivin-mediated osteoclast inhibition has not yet been characterized. In this study, we examined the role of Osteoactivin treatment on osteoclastogenesis using bone marrow-derived osteoclast progenitor cells and identify a signaling pathway relating to Osteoactivin function. We reveal that recombinant Osteoactivin treatment inhibited osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner shown by qPCR, TRAP staining, activity and count. Using several approaches, we show that Osteoactivin binds CD44 in osteoclasts. Furthermore, recombinant Osteoactivin treatment inhibited ERK phosphorylation in a CD44-dependent manner. Finally, we examined the role of Osteoactivin on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL)-induced osteolysis in vivo. Our data indicate that recombinant Osteoactivin inhibits RANKL-induced osteolysis in vivo and this effect is CD44-dependent. Overall, our data indicate that Osteoactivin is a negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo and that this process is regulated through CD44 and ERK activation.

Metalloproteinase MT1-MMP islets act as memory devices for podosome reemergence

The authors find that matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP is enriched at the plasma membrane of macrophage podosomes, where it persists beyond podosome lifetime and, through binding to the subcortical actin cytoskeleton, forms subcellular signposts that facilitate podosome reformation.

Podosomes are dynamic cell adhesions that are also sites of extracellular matrix degradation, through recruitment of matrix-lytic enzymes, particularly of matrix metalloproteinases. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we show that the membrane-bound metalloproteinase MT1-MMP is enriched not only at podosomes but also at distinct “islets” embedded in the plasma membrane of primary human macrophages. MT1-MMP islets become apparent upon podosome dissolution and persist beyond podosome lifetime. Importantly, the majority of MT1-MMP islets are reused as sites of podosome reemergence. siRNA-mediated knockdown and recomplementation analyses show that islet formation is based on the cytoplasmic tail of MT1-MMP and its ability to bind the subcortical actin cytoskeleton. Collectively, our data reveal a previously unrecognized phase in the podosome life cycle and identify a structural function of MT1-MMP that is independent of its proteolytic activity. MT1-MMP islets thus act as cellular memory devices that enable efficient and localized reformation of podosomes, ensuring coordinated matrix degradation and invasion.

The microenvironment controls invadosome plasticity

Invadosomes are actin-based structures involved in extracellular matrix degradation. Invadosomes is a term that includes podosomes and invadopodia, which decorate normal and tumour cells, respectively. They are mainly organised into dots or rosettes, and podosomes and invadopodia are often compared and contrasted. Various internal or external stimuli have been shown to induce their formation and/or activity. In this Commentary, we address the impact of the microenvironment and the role of matrix receptors on the formation, and dynamic and degradative activities of invadosomes. In particular, we highlight recent findings regarding the role of type I collagen fibrils in inducing the formation of a new linear organisation of invadosomes. We will also discuss invadosome plasticity more generally and emphasise its physio-pathological relevance.

The CD44s splice isoform is a central mediator for invadopodia activity

The ability for tumor cells to spread and metastasize to distant organs requires proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). This activity is mediated by invadopodia, actin-rich membrane protrusions that are enriched for proteases. However, the mechanisms underlying invadopodia activity are not fully understood. Here, we report that a specific CD44 splice isoform, CD44s, is an integral component in invadopodia. We show that CD44s, but not another splice isoform CD44v, is localized in invadopodia. Small hairpin (sh)RNA-mediated depletion of CD44s abolishes invadopodia activity, prevents matrix degradation and decreases tumor cell invasiveness. Our results suggest that CD44s promotes cortactin phosphorylation and recruits MT1-MMP (also known as MMP14) to sites of matrix degradation, which are important activities for invadopodia function. Importantly, we show that depletion of CD44s inhibits breast cancer cell metastasis to the lung in animals. These findings suggest a crucial mechanism underlying the role of the CD44s splice isoform in breast cancer metastasis.

Osteoprotegerin disrupts peripheral adhesive structures of osteoclasts by modulating Pyk2 and Src activities

Osteoprotegerin has previously been shown to modulate bone mass by blocking osteoclast maturation and function. The detailed mechanisms of osteoprotegerin-induced disassembly of podosomes, disruption of adhesive structures and modulation of adhesion-related proteins in osteoclasts, however, are not well characterized. In this study, tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase staining demonstrated that osteoprotegerin inhibited differentiation of osteoclasts. The use of scanning electron microscopy, real-time cell monitoring and confocal microscopy indicated that osteoclasts responded in a time and dose-dependent manner to osteoprotegerin treatments with retraction of peripheral adhesive structures and detachment from the extracellular substrate. Combined imaging and Western blot studies showed that osteoprotegerin induced dephosphorylation of Tyr 402 in Pyk2 and decreased its labeling in peripheral adhesion regions. osteoprotegerin induced increased intracellular labeling of Tyr 402 in Pyk2, Tyr 416 in Src, increased dephosphorylation of Tyr 527 in Src, and increased Pyk2/Src association in the central region of osteoclasts. This evidence suggests that Src may function as an adaptor protein that competes for Pyk2 and relocates it from the peripheral adhesive zone to the central region of osteoclasts in response to osteoprotegerin treatment. Osteoprotegerin may induce podosome reassembly and peripheral adhesive structure detachment by modulating phosphorylation of Pyk2 and Src and their intracellular distribution in osteoclasts.

Feel the force: Podosomes in mechanosensing

Cells interact with their environment through highly localized contact structures. Podosomes represent a subgroup of cell-matrix contacts, which is especially prominent in cells of the monocytic lineage such as monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, but also in a variety of other cell types. Comparable to other adhesion structures, podosomes feature a complex architecture, which forms the basis for their extensive repertoire of sensory and effector functions. These functions are mainly linked to interactions with the extracellular matrix and comprise well known properties such as cell-matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix degradation. A more recent discovery is the ability of podosomes to act as mechanosensory devices, by detecting rigidity and topography of the substratum. In this review, we focus especially on the molecular events involved in mechanosensing by podosomes, the structural elements of podosomes that enable this function, as well as the intra- and extracellular signals generated downstream of podosome mechanosensing.